Everything you need to know about cinemas reopening in Northampton this month

Five cinemas in Northampton have explained what they will be doing when people are allowed to return to the pictures on May 17 in line with the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

On Monday, May 17, movie lovers will finally be able to return to some of their favourite establishments in the town to enjoy popcorn, a film and a trip out of the house.

Boris Johnson should give the next Covid lockdown update on May 10. Announcements usually take place at around 5pm. He will confirm if it is safe for the next stage in the lockdown roadmap to be eased on 17 May as planned.

In Step 3, all of the most high-risk sectors will be able to reopen, with Covid-secure guidance in place, including indoor cinemas.

Here's what all the cinemas in the town have said about whether or not they will reopen on May 17.

Vue Cinema in Sol Central

Vue said it is reopening from May 17 – and tickets are available to pre-book now.

The cinema WILL be playing the UEFA Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City and also the Europa League final, which could feature both Manchester United and Arsenal.

A Vue spokeswoman also said a host of 'well-loved' classic films will be shown, as well as 'hotly anticipated new releases', and other 'blockbusters' such as Peter Rabbit 2, The Unholy, The Conjuring Part II, Sir Alex: Never Give In and Hey Duggee

Cineworld in Sixfields

Cineworld was brief in its response, saying: “We expect to resume operations at Cineworld Northampton in May, in line with current government guidance.”

Northampton Filmhouse in Derngate

The independent filmhouse in Derngate will be reopening in June.

But it is collaborating with Delapre Abbey and hosting an outdoor cinema at the park for two weeks starting May 22, see below.

Jo Gordon, Chief Executive of Northampton Filmhouse and Royal & Derngate, said: "As a stepping stone towards the reopening of Northampton Filmhouse later in June, we’re delighted to be collaborating once again with Delapré Abbey to bring back the Filmhouse@Delapré Drive In season for a fortnight from Saturday, May 22.

"This will offer people the chance to enjoy a selection of well-loved films, curated by the Filmhouse, in glorious socially-distanced surroundings. Titles include ever-popular hits such as Jurassic Park and Mamma Mia!, beloved British movies such as Bridget Jones Diary and Shaun of the Dead and old-time classics like Singin’ in the Rain.

"We’ll very shortly be announcing a date for Northampton Filmhouse itself to reopen in June, with measures in place to ensure everything is Covid-safe for audiences and staff, in line with national guidance.

"We’re busy lining up a fantastic opening season, featuring the best independent films from Britain and around the world, and the chance to catch up with the pick of recent Oscar winners.

"Having reopened at Christmas, however briefly, we feel well prepared with tried and tested measures in place for our teams to welcome customers safely back into our beloved cinema. We are so grateful for all the messages of support we have received while closed and can’t wait to be back up and running!"

The Forum Cinema in Lings

The cinema will not be opening on May 17. Instead, the cinema will wait for the government's restrictions to ease and name a reopening date at a later time.

John Fletcher, managing director of Trilogy Leisure, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening The Forum Cinema when social distancing restrictions ease. This along with the forthcoming increases in film distribution will mean we are able to return to pre-Covid audience capacity.”

Delapre Park

Northampton Filmhouse and Delapre Abbey have officially announced the return of the Drive-in Cinema this summer following last year's success.

The event - running from Saturday, May 22 to Sunday, June 6 - will feature a bumper season of films to be enjoyed on a large screen on the South Lawn, set against the beautiful and historic backdrop of Delapre Abbey.

Over 20 blockbuster hit films for all the family will be shown including Mamma Mia, Jurassic Park, Tenet, Grand Budapest Hotel and Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. There will also be sing-along screenings of The Greatest Showman, Rocketman and Frozen.